Sorry na, nakalimutan ko gawin itong blog na ito. Hehehe.
Pang-justify lang ba ng mga nakakalimutang tasks ang #mombrain? O real talaga siya?
Tinanong ko ang mga Bagong Nanays on Instagram kung ano ang eksenang mombrain nila recently. At naloka ako sa mga sagot nila! 😅
Me, all the time
Apir!
Soap-as!
Na-disinfect din yung pasta haha
Saing naman…
Buti nalang
It’s asin
Pweh
Expectation vs reality
Wag kasi masyado mag-expect
Alamat ng Suklay
Hahahaahahaha
In chorus
Mamaaa x 3
Luhhhh
Padede moms know!
Best answer goes to Mommy Daisy Sanuco! You will receive a gift pack from The Bagong Nanay Shop, featuring its newest product: Mother Nurture Malunggay Coffee and Choco Mixes. Yey!
Order now at The Bagong Nanay Shop!
May eksenang mombrain din ba kayo recently, Bagong Nanay? Share mo na yan!
Probably one of our greatest fears as a Bagong Nanay is to be far away from our baby. I cannot imagine the pain and the longing of having to sleep without her by my side, or miss out on her milestones.
In our experience, my baby spent her first 20 days in the NICU, away from me. After visiting her and spending time with her in the hospital, my husband and I will go home to an empty house. Those were the hardest days for us. I asked myself: Why can’t we be with our baby? Did we do something wrong?
That’s why I live to share stories like this: a Bagong Nanay who had to be far away from her baby because of circumstances. I personally witnessed some of her struggles – because our daughters were born two weeks apart.
Here’s the #KuwentongBagongNanay of Marie Tzarina Go-Gaoiran, on how a mother’s love could be so patient and so kind and so enduring that even with the distance and the pandemic effect – she strives to find ways to show her love for her daughter. A love that is out of this world – to the moon and back.
Ilabas na ang tissue. Nanay tears will be shed.
1. What were the circumstances that led you to be in a long-distance relationship with your little one?
Two months before I gave birth to my daughter Dani in 2019, I flew from Singapore where I work – to my home in the Philippines on my obstetrician’s strict advice. At that time, I was approaching eight years as an S Pass holder in Singapore. Our long-distance situation with my dear daughter began after my maternity leave.
The Singapore government only allows non-residents to visit a maximum of a month, regardless of age, even for family members of S Pass holders. I asked about how to apply for a dependent, but I came out ineligible, after an assessment.
The solution I came up with was to bring Dani to Singapore in alternate months. In the months that she had to stay in Manila, I would fly back for a couple of days to be with her.
Dani’s First Christmas with Mommy Tzarina
But our situation worsened when the pandemic started in 2020, which led me to decide to come home to the Philippines for good.
2. How did you manage being far away from your baby? What are the three things that helped you cope with it?
Postpartum depression (PPD) + long-distance relationship (LDR) is the worst formula for a Bagong Nanay. I cried myself to sleep – every single night. My husband, who was with me in Singapore, was very supportive and understanding, and for that I’m grateful. We talked things through and came up with ideas that could help me cope.
Nightly video calls, sometimes even during office hours, made me feel as if I’m next to Dani. Before her bedtime, we read storybooks, which was so comforting. On weekends, calls were much longer. A couple of other stress busters in my routine are cooking and baking. I frequently sent photos of the dishes I made.
Thank God for technology. Dani and her mommy TzarinaStorytime!Loving Dani to the moon and back
Lastly, I put up Bunny Dani Dresses, where I sewed cute clothes and a quiet book for Dani. I surprised myself that I was able to make dresses for my little bunny.
3. What was it like when you finally hug her again after a long time of being far away?
My trip back home to the Philippines in November 2020 was unannounced. My parents and my friends didn’t know about it, except for my husband. It was nerve-wracking because it was my first time to make such a big surprise.
When I opened the door, my mom shrieked. She couldn’t believe that it’s me. Dani cried, wondering what made her Granny scream. My heart was beating fast, I thought I was going to cry, but I felt so much happiness. I was smiling the whole time. It was a joy to see Dani again after a long time.
Together, finally!
4. What activities do you enjoy doing together now that you have each other? List the top 3.
Somehow, the lockdown lets me spend more enjoyable activities with Dani. She’s my little helper in baking. When I tell her that we’re going to bake, she hurries to the kitchen and grabs the wire whisk, rolling pin, muffin pan, among other things.
Little baker DaniLike baking, if it takes patience and love..…It’s going to be good and sweet. 💜
I also enjoy bathing her in her mini tub. She imagines swimming in the pool with her rubber duckies and other toys.
And at bedtime, I tell her stories from when she was just a baby, sometimes about our family, and stories from her books.
Also mommy’s kitchen apprentice!
5. What can you tell moms who are currently living far away from their children?
When it comes to your children, nothing can be more important than being with them.
Tzarina Gaoiran for bagongnanay.com
I want to send a message to long-distance moms to follow their mother’s intuition. When it comes to our children, nothing can be more important than being with them. I had to battle my nagging fears for months, but my final decision to fly home to Dani was worth it. Regardless of your decision, don’t let anyone’s judgment burden you.
As of writing, Tzarina and her husband Don are now living together with their daughter Dani here in Manila. 💜
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I am more confident and contented.
I am Marie Tzarina Go-Gaoiran from Pasig.
I am the Bagong Nanay of Daniele Marina or Dani, who just turned 2.
I love watching Korean dramas and Netflix, and do some crafts when I am not busy with being Dani’s playmate, cook, and mom.
Are you in a long-distance relationship with your child too? Share your experience in the comments.
I’ve always had this fear and hesitation to start a business, thinking “hindi ako magaling magbenta.”
So when I finally had the chance to start a business and become a nanaypreneur, I started reselling M2 Malunggay Tea in August 1, 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a product I use, so I thought, might as well resell it so I will not run out of stocks!
The Bagong Nanay Shop, est Aug 2020. Nuks!
Fast forward to today, I’m still at it, and I can say na mas madami akong natutunan versus kinita sa pagbi-business.
Madami din akong na-gain na new friends, and rekindled relationships because of the products I sell.
And it was all God’s grace + hard work on my end.
As a seller, willing ako makipagpuyatan basta maka-respond sa customers.
I didn’t know I could do more when I offered my products in a nearby store here in our home.
Doing business is about taking calculated risks.
BagongNanay.com
I approached a 24/7 healthy convenience store branch here in Eastwood City, asking if they can place my products in their store.
After a couple of emails and free samples, we agreed to do a consignment setup. I thought that was the hard part!
I offered to deliver the products personally, and di siya biro. Kahit malapit lang sila, literal na one block away, effort siya.
Ginusto ko to, I said. And I know someday it will bear fruit.
Mode of delivery, lol
Bilang baguhan tayo sa business, ano ba yung consignment?
Based sa na-Google ko, it’s technically an agreement to pay a supplier of goods after the goods are sold.
So may agreed price kami, then I provide the products based on their orders, then I wait for their sales report at the end of the month, and then I’ll get paid.
My products in their store!
On our first month, mano-mano lahat syempre, like they ordered via email, then I gave them a handwritten delivery receipt, etc.
Feel na feel ko ang pagiging half-businesswoman, half-kargador. Abangers ako sa email nila kung ilan ang nabenta, sinisilip ko yung store nila kung nabawasan ba, etc.
Not to mention, lagi ako tinatanong ni husband, “magkano na ba kita mo diyan?” To which I always reply, “maya i-check ko.” Lol
Kilig. Eto bestseller nila sa mga products ko so far.
But as days passed, parang feeling ko I need to automate the system. Hindi pwede itong ganitong mano-mano.
That’s when I sought the help of Speedster Solutions. I had the chance to talk to the founder (nuks!) who is my former colleague and great friend Jed Santos.
Q: Tell us a bit about you. Why are you doing this?
I am a professional content editor and I currently work for an Australian media and events company. But what brought me to tinkering with spreadsheets?
I have a friend who owns a vegetable-selling business with a couple of employees. Unlike other small business, they do track their numbers (sales, income, profit, expenses). I created spreadsheets for them around 2010, very basic spreadsheets, and a decade later here comes the lockdown, which presented me plenty of time to look at those again.
I thought, these are awfully plain, so I decided to up the ante and watch plenty of YouTube videos. In the process, I discovered that I do completely understand the intelligence of Excel. Those plain-looking spreadsheets turned into dynamic versions months later, literally unrecognizable from the previous ones. And I just kept going, claiming the skill for myself until I became confident that, with its powerful features, I can do magic.
Speedster Solutions founder Jed Santos and my little Lia <3
Q: Why should micro, small, and medium business owners trust Speedster Solutions?
#1. Speedster Solutions was born out of genuine concern to ease the burden of employee and business data management experienced by my closest friend. Many people don’t know what they need until you show it to them, and that’s what we are here for — we show business owners that it’s possible to automate their data management, thereby allowing them to have more time to spend on generating revenue for their business.
If you can think it, Speedster Solutions can do it!
#2 We have helped actual business owners and individuals make their lives easier using functional spreadsheets. We have no doubt we can help more people by solving their pain points when it comes to managing, organizing, presenting, and interacting with their business data.
We show business owners that it’s possible to automate their data management, thereby allowing them to have more time to spend on generating revenue for their business.
Jed Santos, Founder, Speedster Solutions
#3 We figure things out for our clients. If a requested solution is currently beyond our means or scope, we break through that wall to search for answers that will help us fulfill what we need to do.
Speedster Solutions for The Bagong Nanay Shop
Yes, yung number 3 talaga. When I approached Jed, I only sent him the current Google Sheets that I use, told him my problems (or pain points), and voila! “Please check your email, Judy,” na siya. Speedster yarn?
Q: What makes Speedster Solutions services different from its competitors?
We provide bespoke spreadsheet solutions. Because we know that no two businesses are the same, we only deliver products that have been customized to the specific needs of our clients.
Sample work of Speedster Solutions: Payroll OS Ultimate
We make sure the final workbook addresses their pain points and usability is frictionless. That’s why we ask lots of questions before even starting — we want to understand how every business owner handles their data and we try to model their thinking so that when they do use our product, they have a certain level of familiarity.
Wag ka ma-intimidate sa word na ‘bespoke.’ Haha. Customized spreadsheets for your business lang ang ibig sabihin niyan. Lol
Kung ano yung need mo, no frills, they will make it for you.
In my experience, I only wanted a consignment sheet that the store will fill out para hindi na humaba yung email thread namin.
And para na rin ma-track ko ang sales nila real-time without having to make silip in their store. Hehe.
I’ve yet to introduce to my consignee the automation that Speedster Solutions created for me.
Kakatapos lang kasi ng first two months namin na mano-mano, and I know that this new process will help us a lot.
I will update this blog post once we’ve used the system!
For now, if you think your business needs something like this, contact Speedster Solutions.
Best part is – they are giving nanaypreneurs – yes, you – a 30% off discount to their current promo rate of Php750 for one (or your first) spreadsheet. Yes, ang mura diba?
Yes yes yes! Avail na nanaypreneurs!
Just share this review in any of your social media accounts, and send a screenshot when you message them!
When was the last time you posted a photo of your baby on Facebook or Instagram? Two hours ago? Last year? Never?
As first-time moms, it seems like we are compelled to post updates about our nanayhood journey – starting with a photo of our positive pregnancy test – to videos of the latest tricks our child can do. Some do it because “it ain’t official til it’s Facebook official,” and some do it “for the ‘gram” – wanting to feel some kind of high from the likes and hearts and wows that your post can get.
But for Bagong Nanay Jo-an Liwanag, things changed when the Covid-19 pandemic started in 2020. She shares, some of the social media sites that she used to love are no longer part of her new normal.
This is her #KuwentongBagongNanay, of logging out of Facebook and Instagram – and logging in as a more hands-on parent to her three kids.
1. What made you decide to stay off social media?
I love being on social media, to be honest. It’s where I share my day-to-day stories, updates about our family so that our friends and relatives who live far away can get a glimpse on how we are doing. There were a lot of times that I would go offline on social media just to take a break, but only during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, around May 2020, that I decided to officially bid goodbye to the social media world.
I was pregnant with my third child then, and it was not easy. It’s the most difficult pregnancy I’ve ever had; I experienced vomiting, nausea, and I was put on bed rest for the entire first trimester because of hemorrhage.
I was 16 weeks pregnant when the pandemic started, and it made my experience even worse. Anxiety started to kick in, and then fear and panic. I even had to keep my pregnancy from my relatives and our parents, just so I can focus on keeping my baby healthy. I also experienced pre-term labor.
I couldn’t stand seeing my news feed filled with angry people. No matter how I try to manage my feed, bad news still gets to me. Some people would even post unverified news, and it adds fear to my underlying anxiety. It was a very stressful time for any pregnant woman. That made me decide to finally log out of my social media accounts – specifically Facebook and Instagram – for good.
How were the first days like?
I honestly felt better. I got to sleep better. No anxiety or whatsoever. I did not make any announcement to my contacts, I just went offline, and people did not notice it that much. Only my closest friends realized that I was missing in their social media accounts. Honestly, it was easier to let go that way. You leave them puzzled and allow them to think whatever they want to think. People are entitled to their own presumptions.
Mommy Jo-an Liwanag, with her kids Caitlin, Rafa, and Andres
2. What can you say are the top 3 pros and cons of a Bagong Nanay who is not on social media?
The top 3 pros for me are: increased productivity both at work and at home; more time for yourself and your family; and more time to connect with friends and family through private conversations.
I honestly think the cons are subjective. I think it depends on how easy or hard it is for you to leave social media. For me, the only consequence is that I don’t get to access the profiles of relevant suppliers, and I can’t browse through the marketplace for things I need for work and for my family.
3. Would you recommend having a social media timeout to other Bagong Nanays? Why or why not?
Yes, I highly recommend having a social media timeout, not just for Bagong Nanays, but for everyone. Going offline gave me the liberty to regain myself behind the keyboard and my phone screen.
Mommy Jo-an and Andres
It helped me regain my sanity. Our mental health is very important. Going offline gave me more time to reconnect with the people around me, and it gave me the opportunity to share ideas and opinions to my friends by having real, private conversations.
4. Have you noticed changes in you or in your outlook in life with you not being in social media anymore?
Definitely! I finally learned how to accept the things I cannot change and to celebrate my small wins and big wins privately. I also realized that you don’t need other people’s validation or aim for self-gratification just to make yourself happy. I learned to live simply, and to stop comparing myself to others.
I finally learned how to accept the things I cannot change, and to celebrate my small wins and big wins privately. I also realized that you don’t need other people’s validation or aim for self-gratification just to make yourself happy.
Jo-an Liwanag for Bagong Nanay
5. Where do you spend your time on – now that you’ve saved a lot of time from not being on social media?
Happy and healthy kids of Mommy Jo-an
I spend my time on taking care of my health and the health of my family, which is very vital in this time of pandemic. I focus on taking care of my body, and when I can, I squeeze in a 30-minute or a 1-hour workout.
I spend my time on taking care of my health and the health of my family, which is very vital in this time of pandemic.
Jo-an Liwanag for Bagong Nanay
I learned to listen to my body. I don’t workout to regain my pre-pregnancy body. I never workout for vanity. I do this because I want to be strong and healthy for my family, so I can keep up with their demands.
I try my best to keep our family healthy by providing them the nourishment that they need, especially at a difficult time like this.
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I don’t go overboard. No fuss.
I am Jo-an Liwanag from Parañaque City. I am the not-so-Bagong Nanay of Caitlin 11, and Rafa 10, but a Bagong Nanay to Andres, who is 11 months old.
When I’m not busy working, washing dishes, cleaning the house, or feeding four bellies that never get full (including husband’s), I workout or binge-watch on Netflix.
(Hey, it’s the only thing we can do for now since it’s pandemic, but I would love to travel again with family and start to create more core memories with them again).
Want to share your #KuwentongBagongNanay too? Send me a message, and let’s talk about it.
Trivia: Alam niyo ba na most of the recent Bagong Nanay Question of the Week questions ay hindi galing sa akin? Yes. Galing sila kay husband – si Bagong Tatay! Hehe.
Kaya nung pinost ko ang Bagong Nanay Question of the Week natin, natuwa ako! Parang napa-throwback ako sa testi days ng friendster! Parang nagkaroon ng outlet ang mga mommies on Instagram para i-recognize ang mga nanay influencers na paborito nila, at the same time, nirecognize din ng mga influencers ang mga nanay fans nila. Hehe.
Napili siya ni Mommy brendaaguilan dahil “very friendly, soft-spoken, God-fearing and laging nagsishare ng opportunity.”
Sabi naman ni inaybessie, “ang cute ng content niya pramis, busy lang ako kaya hindi ko pa napapakinggan ang podcast niya, nakaka-goodvibes ang videos niya.”
Follow Mommy Therese Cardenas aka thenurturingmomma as she aims to bring back sanity and self-care to nurturing mommas. Check out her podcast, Hello Momdays!
2. slayingmotherhood
Sabi ni mamatin.blogs, fina-follow niya si Mommy Babzee dahil “kalog! Fun and exciting parenting.” Si Mommy mayjowa_na, siya ang top 2 dahil sabi niya, “gustong gusto ko talaga yung mga nanay na may sense of humour sa mga post.”
Follow Mommy Babzee aka slayingmotherhood, if you want to see more of her “witty nanay” posts like this:
“Sobrang down to earth, hindi madamot sa opportunity, kaalaman, medyo mukhang masungit. Nanay na Nanay,” sabi ni mamatin.blogs.
Sabi ni mommyfarizza, “Yung words of wisdom niya super nakakainspire. Isa siya sa mga inspirasyon ko bakit pa tuloy akong nagpupursige maging isang ambassador.”
Follow mommypehpot, mom of five, dahil baka ikaw nalang ang hindi pa naka-follow sa kanya! She has 78.5k followers to date. Wow.
4. justcheespeaks
Eto, personal favorite ko din itong si Mommy Chee! Kaya naman isa siya sa mga ininvite ko na magsulat ng #KuwentongBagongNanay niya bilang isang nanay influencer. Read here, kung hindi mo pa nababasa ang story niya.
Agree si mommy_alexies, favorite din niya si Mommy Chee, “kasi gaganda ng content niya especially usapang content creator.”
Follow Mommy Chee Vicente aka justcheespeaks if you want to know best practices and Instagram hacks for content creators and brand owners.
5. mommypracticality
Sabi ni Mommy joannaguilalas, “love her contents! Super friendly at approaching pa.” Same sila ni mamatin.blogs, “love the content too! Mapagbigay ng opportunity at relate sa mga post.”
Follow Mommy Louise aka mommypracticality, and learn from her practical guide to mommy life.
6. chammagsaysay
Sabi ni mamajloncho, fan siya ni Mommy Cham dahil “I love her family! Nakakatuwa mga feeds nya, all about family and un mga twinnings nila ni Keia, wishing magkakababy girl din para makatwinning din like Mommy Cham and Keia.”
Si mommyjoannaguilalas din hanga sa kanya, “super idol ko to when it comes to juggling her time for work, her family and for herself. Plus her contents! Super gaganda and nakakaakit talaga!”
Follow Mommy Cham Estrera Magsaysay aka chammagsaysay, ang ganda nga ng feed niya!
7. karenclaudene
Sabi ni scofield.mom, favorite niya si Mommy Karen. “I don’t remember kung paano ko siya nakilala, pero out of the blue, na-inlove ako sa pagiging napaka-down-to-earth niya, tutulungan ka niya at isshare niya talaga sayo yung blessing niya. Kelan lang nasabi ko sa kanya, na nabibilib ako sa pagiging multiperson niya, (influencer, mother, wife and nag-aaral pa, plus may business ding hinahandle) kaya naman talaga #BeautifulWithAHeart.
Top 1 din siya ni Mommy rvlsjn.20, “Bakit? Dahil sobrang idol na idol ko siya since nakilala ko siya na isa pala siyang momfluencer. Ayun, kapag palagi kong nakikita IG stories niya or any post, nagrereact at nagcocomment talaga ako 😍♥️ Nakafavorites siya sa akin.”
“I love her for being a wais Mommy and mga tipid tips nya, syempre as a mom need natin maging wais sa mga decision lalo na financially,” sabi ni mamajloncho.
Agree dyan si Mommy joannaguilalas, “the best ang tipid hacks and tips. Very helpful!”
Follow Mommy Gracie aka tipidmommy for posts on grateful living, hacks, budget talks, and buhay nanay.
“She is very passionate on everything she does. Super love her contents, sharing every tips and good finds on her page!” sabi ni Mommy joannaguilalas. Isa din siya sa top 3 ni Mommy reinloves, “sila talaga ung nilu-look up kong mga momfluencer. To me they are family, truly an inspiration lalo na sa kagaya kong first-time mommy palang.”
Follow Mommy Dette Zulueta aka millennialmomsph, for good finds, tips & giveaways.
Sabi ni mommajoycekim, isa sa mga favorites niya i-follow si Kumareng Amor. “Super blessed ako nakilala ko sila napakababait nilang tao inspired na inspired ako maachieve yung goals ko lalo na sa pagiging momfluencer, dahil sa kanila mas lumalakas loob ko at nakafocus ako sa kung ano yung dapat kong gawin. Nagpapasalamat din po ako at mahal na mahal ko sila kasi nakakainspire sila ng mga mommies kagaya ko.”
Follow _mommamsyc aka Kumareng Amor to know how she inspires moms to become mombassadors too.
Maraming salamat sa pagsagot, Bagong Nanay! Na-notice tuloy tayo ng mga nanay influencers. Hehe. Dahil dyan, as promised, may one winner ng Nanayversary Gift Pack from The Bagong Nanay Shop!
First anniversary na kasi ng The Bagong Nanay Shop, kaya thankful ako sa mga Bagong Nanays for helping me achieve this achievement (any daw, sabaw at 4am). Salamat!
Congratulations to Mommy ms.agramirez! Will send you a message on how to claim your prize. :)
Love, Nanay Judy of Bagong Nanay (o, i-follow niyo din ako please, haha)
PS. May special prize si mamatin.blogs dahil nilagay niya ang Bagong Nanay sa Top 3 nanay influencers niya. Iba rin ang feeling! 🤭🤣 Salamat, Mommy Tin!
This #KuwentongBagongNanay is very special to me – because this is just a speck of the amazing nanayhood story of my *drum roll please* big sister!
I wrote in a long post on Facebook how and why my Ate is an amazing sister, daughter, mom, friend, boss, and human being. But there’s a side that I would like to reveal about her – although her tattoos may be the first thing you see when you look at her, I want her to share the beautiful stories behind each of them.
Just like my Ate and her tattoos, there are a lot of things that us, Bagong Nanays, need to challenge to break stigmas. And my way of doing so is by shed light on these issues, by providing a platform to tell personal and intimate stories like this.
Read on, and I hope you’ll look at moms with tattoos differently afterwards.
1. What made you decide to get inked? How was your first experience like?
Growing up, I’ve always liked art, and beautiful art on skin is something that I’ve always wanted! I had struggles with weight loss and self confidence, and I thought that having a tattoo would be a great way to commemorate the start of a new discipline.
My first tattoo was a “Google tattoo” that my amazing artist, Tupe Guillergan, challenged then. I spent hours looking for, and deciding what I want to be first inked with. Alas, I ended up searching “feather with birds” in Google.
Erin and her first tattoo: a feather with birds by Tupe Guillergan
Looking back, I kinda regret that I stuck with it as I could’ve gotten a more unique one. But it was meaningful to me at that time, so it’s still good. It meant freedom and liberation for me; birds flying away, escaping.
The experience was actually okay; it didn’t hurt as much as I expected, but it really was a good decision (or not) because after the first one, I wanted to come back for more.
2. What and where are your tattoos, and what do they mean for you?
After the first one, I had four more tattoos.
The second one was a set of four small pieces: musical notes behind my left ear, and a matching media tattoo. They symbolized my love for music, and how I see life. It doesn’t have a stop button too – so we keep going.
Erin’s 2nd tattoo: rewind, pause, play, fast forward and shuffle buttons
I also have in my arm the name of my son Cyrus written in arabic font, which is also a homage to my dad who was working as an OFW in Saudi Arabia at the time.
My third tattoo was a unique elephant head, from a different artist this time, Kristoval Art, who is also extremely talented. The design was custom-made for me, and it has a world of different meanings – but for me, mainly it’s how the elephant protects its offspring. It represents my love for my kids.
Erin’s elephant head tattoo – with her daughter’s birth marks on the left ear – by Kristoval Art
Tattoo #4 is a ferris wheel on my left chest. The most painful yet. This one was inspired by a quote I love about life: “Life is like a ferris wheel, you have to get past the fear to enjoy the view.” It’s a reminder that even if life has its ups and downs, there’s always a way out.
Erin’s ferris wheel tattoo
I placed it literally close to my heart as I love amusement parks, this one in particular was the one in Sky Ranch Tagaytay.
Wow the details.
Tattoo # 5 is something I got from a recent trip, two small pieces by finns.film. One symbolizing the beginning and the end, and the other one commemorating a friendship that started in Real Estate Street.
3. What do your kids think about you having tattoos?
My son, Cyrus, used to say “you have dirty, mommy!” when he saw my first tattoo. It went on for months. Still makes me laugh to this day.
My daughter, Hayley, doesn’t seem to mind, she sometimes say “may sulat ka oh” in her attempt to make a conversation about it, but she particularly likes my new A/Z tattoo when we practice her ABCs. 🤣
Mommy Erin with her kids Cyrus, 12, and Hayley, 4
4. What are the stigmas that women, particularly mothers, with tattoos face, and how would you like to challenge them?
I clearly remember a scenario when I rode a jeepney from work. I was wearing a sleeveless tank top and jeans (I had a jacket on but I took it off before riding the jeep because it was humid), and when I sat down, I saw the lady across me clutch her bag tightly to her chest (quite obviously) when she saw my tattoo.
Elephant in the room 🐘
Had a good laugh about it when I somehow should be offended, but most of the time tattoos are still recognized as something most people frown at.
Tattoos mean different things for different people, but no matter what, this shouldn’t be a reason for us to judge.
Erin Santiago for Bagong Nanay
There may be a story or not behind tattoos, but what the hell, it’s a free country, right? Tattoos do not hurt anyone, but the judgment and discrimination does. Getting tattoos isn’t a vice, it is a form of self-expression through art. I hope more people see that.
5. What’s the part of having a tattoo that you think most people don’t know about?
Tattoos are a great conversation starter. I’ve had random people come up to me asking what they mean, or how beautiful they are (my elephant head piece is always a winner). It isn’t always a welcome thought, but it is for the most part.
I can say that I gained a lot of confidence when I had my first tattoo. As a mom struggling with weight issues, I had fun wearing nice clothes and showing them off.
Erin Santiago
If you plan on getting inked, it’s important to choose the artist carefully. As it is something that stays on your skin permanently, you would want it to something that you can be proud to show off (or not, your call).
I would also like to say that it isn’t true that you will never be able to donate blood after getting one. One year and you’re good to go as long as there’s no other reason not to.
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I am a Bagong Nanay who would do anything for family.
I am Erin Santiago of Parañaque.
I am the not-so Bagong Nanay of Cyrus, 12, and Hayley, 4. Daniel, my angel in heaven, made me a Bagong Nanay, who would’ve been 16 this year.
When I’m not cooking, or picking up after my kids, or working as a supervisor in a BPO company, I am a gamer. I love having conversations over coffee with friends, and I also try and imitate Chloe Ting workouts in YouTube on a good day.
Love her story? Give Erin a shoutout by leaving a comment below!
This is a long overdue blog post, but I really just want to share this, especially to nanays who are finding ways to entertain their little ones amid the pandemic.
Last May, I was invited by a fellow Bagong Nanay (hello Mommy Tzarina!) to join an online workshop. Both our babies were barely two years old, and we thought it would be chaos to have them join one.
It was for Mother’s month, so avail! Photo from Cascades International School Facebook page
We chose the CLAY PORTRAIT OF MOM and PRINCESS PLAYTIME classes.
It would be my toddler and I’s first time to join an online class with a legit teacher. We are just used to video calls with family and friends, or Zoom meetings where she’ll have a cameo appearance, lol.
So Teacher Cath of Cascades International School sent via email the list of materials and some reminders for the class. My husband bought the materials, and we patiently waited for the big day.
Husband bought two kinds of clay, but the BEST BUY brand is indeed the best buy! The Crayola brand is too sticky.
It was my toddler’s first-ever online class! To be honest, I got a bit teary-eyed (lol) because she was behaved and attentive most of the time.
I did all the work, don’t worry guys
Clay portrait for mom
I thought I already know what were going to do in the class, but I was amazed how Teacher Jeska used the clay to create an actual portrait! She was very patient, and her instructions were clear. We had a lot of fun!
Yey! Our output
Now the point of this blog post is to show the effect of joining that one online class to my toddler.
After that class that she enjoyed, she looooooooved playing with clay, until this day.
Here are some of our masterpieces!
A breakfast for Barbie by nanayClay balls by NanayClay flowers by Nanay, BUT arranged by LiaLia, proud of our first collab artAlso arranged by LiaHer idea to give the blue to Tatay, pink to Nanay, and yellow for herIce cream!Her attempt to make her own clay designsTHIS WAS JUST HER. Integrating clay to her real toys! This is Ice Bear with a party hat and cake made by LiaHER IDEA to copy a bear clay figure in her bookAnd this was her last night – around 11pm. Busy making something…Then she said, “Nanay! Nanay!” SHE MADE HER OWN CLAY PORTRAIT OF NANAY!” (Can you see the singkit eyes? So accurate)
My two cents
If we say yes to new experiences for our kids like online workshops – and give access to materials – may it be clay or paint brush or piano – then we are opening them to a whole new world and endless possibilities.
I’m so happy that I said yes on her behalf, because after that class, my husband and I agreed to expose our daughter to whatever hobby or activity she finds interesting, and then support her if she likes it. We’ll also not pressure her if she doesn’t like it! That’s how we’d like to be as her parents.
Do you have online workshops that you would like to recommend for us to try? Comment below!
Check out Cascades International School’s Instagram for details on upcoming classes and workshops. This is not a sponsored post.
It’s been almost two years since I gave birth via C-section, and it’s only recently that I have come to really appreciate and love my “new” body.
Growing up, I was constantly underweight. When I was in college, I used to weigh 78 lbs. I’m not proud of it because I was not also eating healthy then. No exercise too. So my skinny body was borne out of my unhealthy lifestyle.
But since I got pregnant with my firstborn, I changed my eating habits. I added more fruits and vegetables to my diet. I’ve been breastfeeding her, and just recently, I started getting myself into physical exercises – in May I’ve tried classes on Zumba, Pound Rockout Workout, Belly Dancing, and KPop Dance (thanks to my oily friends for the free classes).
And I was also influenced greatly by my husband who has started to do some weight-lifting exercises at home – because physical fitness is part of our family goals for 2021. I told him that our goal for having a healthy and fit body as parents should not just be about looking great, but more on being physically and mentally capable to take care of our child.
So I try to get myself moving, even if that means dancing my daughter’s favorite Banana Chachaor Hotdog dance.
But what inspired me the most was seeing and meeting virtually this Bagong Nanay, who happens to live just in our neighborhood! I’ve seen her in mommy groups, and I’ve always wanted to try joining her classes. She is a certified pre/postnatal fitness coach, and a certified postpartum core rehab specialist.
So I took the leap and asked her if I can share her #KuwentongBagongNanay, and her answer was a resounding yes. She is the mama behind MamafitPH, Coach Mindy Lagdameo.
May we all be inspired and empowered with her story.
1. What was the toughest challenge you faced when you became a Bagong Nanay?
I literally had no clue how hard it was going to be to lose my sense of self. My first pregnancy was such a breeze I didn’t think that I would change or compromise so much after. I felt like I was literally just winging it and was terrified most of the time. My body didn’t feel like my own. I had a fit pregnancy, but ended up with an emergency CS and horrible postpartum period. I really struggled with the lack of support and knowledge of how to move properly or get back into feeling like myself.
How did you overcome? What helped you?
It really does take a village. My mom lived nearby, plus I had a circle of Mama friends that really supported me through my early postpartum phase. Then I decided as well to educate myself on how to properly recover and regain strength after childbirth. I took pre and postpartum rehabilitation and wellness certification courses in order to better equip myself, and also to be able to raise awareness and help other Mamas as well.
Mama Mindy Lagdameo with her girls Ellie, 6yo, and Erica, 3yo
3. As a Bagong Nanay, how important is it to be physically fit? What is your definition of being a ‘fit’ mama?
“Fit” is a relative term, and honestly being fit as a mama doesn’t need to mean that you can lift barbells, or run marathons or have 6 pack abs. Those are definitely great, but to be a fit mom is simply being able to be physically, emotionally and mentally capable to look after yourself and your family and have complete connection and full control of your body. Yung kaya mo buhatin si baby ng ilang oras na walang back pain, or if maisipan mo na gusto mo mag jogging or mag join ng Zumba class na walang fear na you might pee yourself.
Follow @mamamindy.fit on Instagram for pre/postpartum fitness content!
“To be a fit mom is simply being able to be physically, emotionally and mentally capable to look after yourself and your family and have complete connection and full control of your body.”
Mindy Lagdameo for Bagong Nanay
4. What are top 3 items that Bagong Nanays can use to do simple workouts in their home?
You actually just need your beautiful body!
When returning to movement and exercise postpartum, as you are still getting to know your body again, it is best to start with bodyweight exercises. Also kung simple lang and exercises mas mataas and chance na you will be motivated to start and continue the exercises. This is why my Mamafit core restoration program is a completely bodyweight program; all you need is a mat.
5. What is your advice to Bagong Nanays who have insecurities about their postpartum body?
Mama, your body just achieved an amazing, wonderful feat. It has also gone through the biggest change it will ever go through. Be kind to yourself. Your body is brand new and can change again, it has the capacity to heal itself, and be strong and amazing again. Just don’t ever give up on yourself.
Your body is brand new and can change again, it has the capacity to heal itself, and be strong and amazing again. Just don’t ever give up on yourself.
Mindy Lagdameo
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
Trying my best, day by day.
I am Mindy Lagdameo from Eastwood, Quezon City. I am the Bagong Nanay of beautiful Ellie, 6 years old; and Erica, a very makulit 3-year-old. When I’m not constantly picking up after my kids and ignoring my laundry, I workout, meditate and read.
Katulad ko ba kayo na atat na atat mag-asawa noon dahil sabi ng society ay dapat mag-buntis na ang babae at a certain age? Or else, baka huli na ang lahat?
Share ko lang. I remember when I was still in my early 20s, I was very keen on getting married and have kids to the point na nagiging reason na siya ng awayan namin ng jowa ko. Pressure cooker ka ghorl because?
But it was partly because when I was only 17 years old, I had an abdominal ultrasound because I was complaining about stomach pain. The test didn’t find anything wrong with my organs though. But it showed an unexpected result: I had two masses on both ovaries. At 17 years old. The doctor told me and my father then that the only way to get rid of those is to get pregnant, and take them out when I deliver the baby.
I was like, WHAT?! I can’t explain how shookt my father was either.
Fortunately, both masses disappeared after a few years. I became a mom at 29 years old. Then my father asked me: “Are you sure kaya mo na alagaan si Lia?” I was like, “May choice ba ako Papa, syempre kakayanin. At matanda na ako no!”
Kahit ata 21 or 32 ako naging nanay, di ko masasabi kung kaya ko.
Our #KuwentongBagongNanay for today is the incredible journey of Mommy Cybil Malipot, a Bagong Nanay at age 39. Yes. 39.
I hope that her heartwarming story will inspire you that while age could only be just a number, being a parent goes beyond being physically and mentally prepared for your baby.
But is it worth all the pain, all the trouble, and all the wait?
Read on.
1. How would you describe your nanayhood journey?
It’s not perfect, but it has been the most amazing journey by far.
Four months past the birth of our son, and we still can’t believe that we have been blessed with this tiny, sweet, and beautiful baby.
I guess that’s what waiting and longing can do. No matter how tough the road ahead is or will be, because we have long imagined ourselves to be where we are now, we will embrace it.
Cybil Malipot, Bagong Nanay at age 39
Often, I’d find myself tearing up while staring at my son’s face, and I don’t know why. Not once have I complained to my husband about having sleepless nights, or the toe-curling pain of breastfeeding, or having my battle scars slowly healing and not allowing me to wear a bikini (as if!) anytime soon.
Now that we are here, there is no way but to welcome this adventure called parenthood. There is nothing that this whole journey can throw at us that will make us complain about every tough curve ball parenthood will bring.
I felt being chosen to bring this beautiful boy to this world; we cannot mess up. I still have my fears. Being a parent is scary especially that parenthood doesn’t come with a manual. To be given this chance to nurture another human being makes this experience so surreal. This baby completes us. Completes me.
Mommy Cybil with her son, Gian Elroi
2. What were the challenges that you encountered when you were pregnant?
I cannot say mine was the toughest, but what I can say was, I have been very blessed. I didn’t have morning sickness, no aversion to food. We thought I wasn’t pregnant which led to me taking the pregnancy test almost every day from my 8th to 10th week of pregnancy!
When we lost our second baby, first baby to my husband, my aunt told me to look for a Maternal and Fetal Medicine Doctor. The stars have aligned, I found one in VRP Medical Center, a tricycle ride away from where we live. She recommended I do an Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APAS) screening, which confirmed I was APAS positive. I developed gestational hypertension, my heart was enlarged, and the APAS might lead to deep vein thrombosis.
Everything had to be controlled from then onwards. The restrictions were overwhelming, which made me think that I wasn’t giving enough nutrients to the baby. From one cup of rice reduced to only ¼. Only one fruit per day. Low to no salt diet.
I guess the worst part of being APAS positive is the twice a day injection of Heparin – an anticoagulant to decrease the clotting ability of my blood so I can give enough supply to the baby. These shots had to be made at the belly area twice a day, by yours truly. For how long? The instruction was until I give birth.
Cybil Malipot
The first shot was terrifying. I remember having to go on a Viber video chat with my mom, a licensed nurse. She taught me virtually how to inject myself in the belly. The most painful part was when you run out of areas to inject, so there are spots where I need to inject into them twice or thrice. Ouch.
3. How do you find being a Bagong Nanay at a time like this?
My biggest worry was going back to work. Leaving my son at home while I work in the office was something that I wasn’t too open about, to be honest.
We have been very blessed that my work allowed me to stay home and be with my son. I feel lucky because not all moms have the same opportunity – to still witness the small and big milestones of our son at the comfort of our home.
Of course, I am still very paranoid. Our groceries are done online. We disinfect everything. Groceries, fruits, vegetables, everything in our house. It has made me appreciate technology even more because we really don’t go out except when we have a doctor’s appointment, but other than that we just really stay home.
The pandemic may have made me paranoid but it has also made me more cautious about physical and mental health. My self-discovery was that I can be a home body, which I thought I couldn’t. I had to be creative to find ways to purchase our needs despite the restrictions, or how to entertain myself and the baby at the confines of the four corners of our home.
But more than anything, the time that I spend with my son is the best reward this pandemic brought to us. We enjoy every bit of it while we still can.
4. Do you think that the age you become a parent actually matter?
I am neutral on this. I was told that a woman’s prime years are between 25 to 29. I was 26 when I had my first baby. I lost my baby two days after I gave birth. I was in my supposed to be prime years.
I got pregnant with my second baby when I was 38, and lost it. I then gave birth to my third at 39. To someone who has lost two, we never expected our baby to survive. I was prepared for the worst.
Cybil Malipot
The downside of being a parent, at this “stage” of my life, is centered towards the fact that physically, there are noticeable limitations. I kept telling my husband a woman’s system is not like men’s that even at 70 they can still procreate. Our body is not designed to give birth at 70 – we have a “deadline.”
I regret not to have tried having a baby sooner. In the first few years of our marriage, we agreed to put aside baby plans until we were ready. We got pregnant, I wasn’t ready still. I was just forced to be ready because I was already in the situation.
On the upside, while waiting for my turn to be a mother, I felt like I’ve had all the time in the world to learn from all the mothers around me. This motivated me even more to be one.
Cybil Malipot, Bagong Nanay at 39
Now, I can say that we have a clear vision of how we want to be as parents. I have the advantage of technology where tips on how to be a parent is readily available. And now that I have experienced motherhood, it’s the most beautiful thing in the world, becoming a mom. It has made the wait even more worthwhile.
Family of three
5. What can you tell women who say that they are already too old to be a mother?
There is no limit in age in becoming a mom or a parent. Anybody can be a mom – no matter how old they are. It’s the readiness of being one that is more crucial for me.
Cybil Malipot
I have seen from friends and family where they became parents at a young age and aced it even as a first-timer. I have also seen a “veteran” mom who wasn’t very good at being one in so many levels.
Also, being a mom isn’t always gender sensitive for me. I have witnessed my father become both my mom and my dad at the same time and it didn’t bother me, because my mom was too far away to be one for me. He wasn’t perfect, but he was fantastic at it.
It made me see parenthood at a different level – that one must have the strong desire to be a great parent to be called a mother or a father to their children.
Cybil Malipot, Bagong Nanay at 39
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I’m the “guilty type” of Nanay.
I am Cy, a true bisaya. Born in Cebu, grew up in Bohol, and lives in Mandaluyong.
I am the Bagong Nanay of Ramon Gabriel (+), 2 days old; Unborn Child (+), 8 weeks old; and Gian Elroi, 4 months old.
When I am not breastfeeding or changing nappies, I am always nesting (rearranging my son’s cabinet!), and a huge Instagram, Netflix and youtube person.
I love kdrama and I am still waiting for my Hogwarts letter to arrive because I believe I am no muggle. I love Harry Potter and his friends. The whole movie series is my favorite, my antidepressant.
Bagong Nanay 